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Brook’s first outing as white-ball captain comes after twin disasters at 2023 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy

Alan Gardner28-May-2025Big picture: The road to 2027 begins in earnestWest Indies didn’t qualify for the last two ICC 50-over tournaments – the 2023 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy – but it is arguable whether that was any more embarrassing than the dismal campaigns England put together in India and Pakistan. With another failure at the T20 World Cup sandwiched in between, it did not require much deliberation for Jos Buttler to step down after less than three years as captain.His successor was picked from a very short shortlist, but while there is little doubt that Harry Brook has the minerals for captaincy, the question for England is whether a first-choice all-formats player can succeed in the job given the current schedule? With a calendar that includes series against West Indies (ODI and T20I), India (Tests), South Africa (ODI and T20I), Ireland (ODI), New Zealand (ODI and T20I), Australia (Test) and Sri Lanka (ODI and T20I) before he can even begin to think about the 2026 T20 World Cup in February, the odds are that something will have to give.Even Brook himself picked the Ashes as his priority when unveiled last month. But, for now, England have made a show of giving their ODI rebuild the attention it deserves by calling back Buttler, Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks from the IPL, despite their teams’ involvement in the tournament’s pointy end. West Indies, by contrast, have allowed Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford to stay in India, even with potentially vital ranking points (which will determine World Cup qualification) at stake.West Indies currently sit ninth in the ICC rankings, three points behind England and five points ahead of Bangladesh, with the top eight aside from co-hosts South Africa (sixth) and Zimbabwe (11th) going straight to the World Cup rather than having to fight through a qualifying event. Bilateral ODI engagements are often seen as context-free, but there is real jeopardy for England – who have never missed out on the World Cup – if they don’t improve on a grim recent record that reads three series wins (one of them against Ireland) in their last 11 going back to mid-2022.Related

Harry Brook pulls out of IPL for second year running

Harry Brook to shelve franchise cricket as England captain

Jofra Archer ruled out of West Indies ODIs due to thumb injury

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Switch Hit: Zim sing while England win

Brook, at least, is well rested, with just one appearance for Yorkshire and last week’s three-day Test against Zimbabwe since the Champions Trophy in March (he is, of course, banned from the IPL after pulling out at late notice, but we won’t get into those weeds). Even with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood out injured, he will still be able to call on a trio of 2019 World Cup winners, with Buttler continuing in the ranks, Joe Root ready to anchor the top order and Adil Rashid undisputed as England’s all-time leading white-ball spinner.In fact, the revolution has been far from bloody, with Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt the main casualties following three defeats from three at the Champions Trophy. Brydon Carse is fit to restate his case, so too Bethell after being injured on the tour of India, while Jacks, Jamie Smith, Matthew Potts, Jamie Overton and Tom Hartley are all backed to keep learning the ropes in a format that quickly disappears from sight in between ICC events. Smith, who endured a tough time at No.3 last time out, is set to open alongside Duckett, in a further show of England’s belief in his immense potential.West Indies, as ever, will hope to disrupt England’s plans – as they did at home in 2023-24 and 2024-25, on both occasions winning the ODI encounters. A heavy defeat against Ireland last week was a reminder of some of their weaknesses, but they responded by piling up scores of 352 for 8 and 385 for 7. In Shai Hope (11th) and Gudakesh Motie (sixth) they have the highest-ranked batter and bowler on either side, and in Daren Sammy a coach who will squeeze every last drop out of the players at his disposal as they too seek an escape from the doldrums in 50-over cricket.Form guideEngland LLLLL
West Indies WLWWWKeacy Carty scored back-to-back centuries against Ireland•Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty ImagesIn the spotlight: Harry Brook and Keacy CartyFrom the toss onwards, it will be all eyes on Harry Brook, who led England with aplomb against Australia in Buttler’s injury-enforced absence last summer and now gets to shape the side in his image. It was a mark of how England had neglected ODIs after their World Cup win that, when Brook made his debut in 2023, he hadn’t played the format in almost four years. Now, with just 26 caps and a single hundred to his name, he still has plenty to learn. Familiarity with Brendon McCullum’s Bazball methods in charge of the Test team is likely to shape his philosophy, as England look to run towards the danger in a format where they’re not looked comfortable for some time.Keacy Carty scored his maiden international hundred in a series-sealing win against England in Barbados six months ago, and has since added a 95 against Bangladesh, followed by back-to-back tons in Ireland – the latter of which, 170 off 142 balls, was the joint-sixth highest ODI score for West Indies. It is almost a decade since Carty top-scored in the final as West Indies lifted the 2015-16 Under-19 World Cup, but he now looks at home in the senior set-up. Picked as the man for West Indies to “invest” in at No. 3, he has been praised by Sammy for his dedication and hard work, and shapes as a key cog in their attempts to build a side that can return to World Cup contention in 2027.Team news: Smith to open, Carse to returnIt had been assumed that Jacks or Tom Banton would be the likely replacement for Salt at opener, but England have sprung a surprise by opting instead of Smith as Duckett’s new partner at the top of the order. Despite making scores of 15, 9 and 0 in a desperate stint at No.3 in the Champions Trophy, he is given the chance to set the team’s agenda from the get-go, with Jacks slotting into the middle-order. Smith won’t, however, be keeping as well. That duty falls to Buttler, now back in the ranks and inked in at No.5. Atkinson has joined Archer in withdrawing from the squad due to injury, but there’s a welcome return for Carse, who will play for the first time since mangling his toes in the line of Test duty over the winter. Overton and Mahmood complete the seam attack with Adil Rashid the sole specialist spinner in a team stacked with allround candidates. Hartley will have to wait to play his first ODI since a washed-out game against Ireland in Bristol in September 2023.England: 1 Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, 3 Joe Root, 4 Harry Brook (capt), 5 Jos Buttler (wk), 6 Jacob Bethell, 7 Will Jacks, 8 Jamie Overton, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Saqib MahmoodWest Indies are missing the services of Shepherd and Rutherford until the conclusion of their IPL involvement, who were replaced by Jediah Blades and Shimron Hetmyer respectively. Jewel Andrew is the other spare batter, while it will likely come down to a choice between Shamar Joseph’s pace and Jayden Seales’ accuracy to complete the attack.West Indies: (possible) 1 Brandon King, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 5 Amir Jangoo, 6 Justin Greaves, 7 Roston Chase, 8 Matthew Forde, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Shamar Joseph/Jayden SealesPitch and conditions: Runs if not sunEdgbaston hasn’t staged an ODI since 2021, but it usually offers up one of the truest surfaces for batting in the country – in 2015, it was the scene of England’s seminal 408 for 9 in Eoin Morgan’s first outing as permanent captain. The driest spring in recent memory has given way to more familiar English weather, with rain forcing West Indies to train indoors on Tuesday, but the forecast for Thursday suggests interruptions will be at a minimum.Stats and trivia West Indies haven’t won a bilateral ODI series in England since 2007. Their last such visit, in 2017, resulted in a 4-0 defeat. Root needs 99 runs to overtake Eoin Morgan as England’s leading scorer in ODIs. Another 141 will make him the first Englishman to 7000. Roston Chase is 56 runs short of 1000 in ODIs. Rashid is set to win his 150th cap in the format; Brandon King his 50th.Quotes”New era now, new leadership. Hopefully we can bring a lot of energy, competitiveness, and a lot of fun as well out out there, try and engage the fans as much as we can – and yeah, try and get some wins under our belt.”
Harry Brook sets out his battle-plan on the eve of his captaincy tenure.“Ever since we started this journey with World Cup 2027 in mind, automatic qualification is the first goal. Climbing up the rankings is the only way we could do that. We’ve made some strides from when we started. Right now we’re No. 9, with England just ahead of us, by two or three points, and this series is very important.”

With the summer transfer window now closed, one Celtic star has revealed how transfer talks over a shock late departure delayed his international duty.

Celtic's transfer window frustrates fans

The fact that it was free agent Kelechi Iheanacho that arrived on deadline day should just about sum it up for Celtic. Whilst the Bhoys did well to welcome the likes of Benjamin Nygren and, at long last, Michel Ange-Balikwisha, there remain question marks about whether they’ve improved their title-winning side from last season.

Nonetheless, Brendan Rodgers welcomed Iheanacho’s arrival with open arms, telling the club’s official website: “He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate.

“He has great experience and he is right in his peak years, so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”

Nygren’s impressive start to life in Scotland should also be noted. The winger has scored three goals and assisted one more in just four Scottish Premiership games.

The likes of Shin Yamada and Sebastian Tounekti also arrived in moves that should help replace the goals of Nicolas Kuhn, who left for Serie A side Como 1907 at the start of the summer.

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The Bhoys have already felt the full extent of his departure, crashing out of the Champions League against Karat Almatay and failing to score once across both legs.

As much as his exit was an undeniable blow at the start of the summer, however, things very nearly became far worse for Celtic as one player recently revealed.

Maeda reveals exit talks

As the forward revealed, Daizen Maeda held shock talks to leave Celtic and was delayed joining up with Japan for the international break as a result. The forward revealed that he wanted to leave the Scottish champions, but they blocked a move amid their own struggle to find a good enough replacement.

It’s a major concern for Rodgers, who lost Kyogo Furuhashi in January and Kuhn during the summer transfer window. To now have a player who scored 33 goals in all competitions eyeing the exit door is far from ideal, to say the least.

When January arrives, the Celtic stance must not change. Having already lost two attacking stars this year, keeping hold of Maeda should be seen as a priority.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras trenou na manhã desta terça-feira (11), na Academia de Futebol, dando sequência à preparação para o duelo com o São Paulo que acontece nesta quinta (13), às 20h (de Brasília), pela partida de volta das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil. O rival venceu o jogo de ida no Morumbi por 1 a 0. A boa notícia é que Zé Rafael esteve em campo mais uma vez e deve estar à disposição de Abel Ferreira no clássico.

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+ Veja tabela da Copa do Brasil-2023 clicando aqui

O elenco alviverde realizou inicialmente um trabalho de posse de bola, marcação e troca de passes em campo reduzido. Em seguida, a comissão técnica separou dois times para uma atividade coletiva ensaiando situações de jogo. Por fim, alguns jogadores praticaram finalizações e cobranças de falta.

Zé Rafael segue processo de retorno aos gramados após sofrer um estiramento no joelho direito no duelo com o Botafogo, pelo Brasileirão, no dia 25 de junho. A expectativa é de que o volante possa retornar ao time para o Choque-Rei desta quinta (13), formando dupla com Gabriel Menino no meio-campo do Verdão.

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+ Dupla do Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira e Zé Rafael se livram de punição no STJD

Desfalque certo para a Copa do Brasil é Artur, que já atuou pelo Bragantino na competição e não pode defender outra equipe. Com isso, Abel terá de decidir quem será o substituto do atacante. Luis Guilherme e Endrick são candidatos para a vaga.

O Palmeiras volta a treinar nesta quarta-feira (12), às 10h, na Academia de Futebol. Depois de ser derrotado por 1 a 0, no Morumbi, o Verdão precisa vencer por um gol de diferença para levar a decisão para os pênaltis, ou por dois ou mais tentos para definir a classificação no tempo normal. Já pelo Brasileirão, o próximo compromisso será neste domingo (16), diante do Internacional, fora de casa.

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West Ham United were turned down in the final hours of the summer transfer window after making a last-gasp approach to sign a “leader”, a reporter has revealed.

Igor delighted after signing for West Ham

West Ham’s deadline day was ultimately relatively quiet, with Igor Julio proving to be the only arrival, joining on loan from fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.

Igor chose to move to the London Stadium rather than joining Crystal Palace, which may have caused the knock-on effect of Marc Guehi not signing for Liverpool, with Oliver Glasner always reluctant to sanction a move unless adequate cover was brought in.

Speaking after joining Graham Potter’s side, the Brazilian said: “I am really happy to be here at West Ham United,” said Igor. “It is a big Club, a historic Club, with fantastic support and a special identity. I saw this in Prague during the Europa Conference League final two years ago, and I feel very proud to now be representing the colours.”

Potter needed to get another centre-back through the door to replace the outgoing Nayef Aguerd, who has now signed for Marseille, but the Brighton defender was not the only target, with West Ham also making a last-gasp approach to sign Chelsea’s Axel Disasi.

However, reporter Graeme Bailey has since revealed that Disasi “said no” to a move to the London Stadium, while also shunning interest from the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ajax to remain at Stamford Bridge.

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ByDominic Lund Aug 31, 2025 Julio could be better signing for Potter than Disasi

It is unclear why the Chelsea centre-back, who is valued at around £25m, was so reluctant to leave, given that there was widespread interest in his signature, and the Frenchman clearly isn’t a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans.

The 27-year-old, who has been described as a “leader” by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, was shipped out on loan to Aston Villa last January, and has failed to make a single appearance for the Blues so far this season.

The fact Igor actually wants to go and play football is an encouraging sign, and there are clear indications he is a more forward-thinking defender, who is comfortable in possession of the ball.

Average per 90 (past year)

Axel Disasi

Igor Julio

Passes attempted

58.50

68.37

Progressive passes

3.31

4.59

Blocks

1.01

2.25

Consequently, West Ham should not be too disheartened by the fact they missed out on the signing of Disasi, and they will be hoping picking up their first clean sheet of the season against Nottingham Forest last time out will be an early turning point.

A “quality” Liverpool player is now reportedly in talks with another club about a move there this summer, with the situation said to be “gaining momentum” currently.

The latest on Isak to Liverpool

The Reds’ pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is the big talking point at the moment, as the Premier League champions look to get an incredible piece of transfer business over the line.

Liverpool have already seen a first bid of £110m rejected by the Magpies, and while a second offer is yet to be tabled, it may well happen once Newcastle have signed a replacement.

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko appears to be their priority target to lead the line instead of Isak, but the Slovenian now has to choose between them and Manchester United.

From a Liverpool perspective, they will clearly hope that Sesko opts to move to St James’ Park, in terms of aiding their efforts to bring in the Swede this summer. If that does happen, it will help pave the way for other Reds attackers to move on before the new season gets underway, and a key update has emerged regarding one such player.

Liverpool star in talks over Saudi Pro League move

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri on X, Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is in talks with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal about a summer move, with an Andfield exit “gaining momentum”.

Assuming the Reds do end up signing Isak, or an alternative for that matter, this summer feels like the right time for Nunez to leave, even though Jurgen Klopp spoke positively about him in the past.

“He loves to play for this team together with these boys and has quality coming out of his ears, to be honest. Is he at his absolute peak in general? Not now for us. But can he develop? Yes. Is he a threat all the time? Yes.”

The £140,000-a-week Nunez is a popular figure among the fans, due to his character and work ethic, but the brutal reality is that his finishing is still erratic after three years at Liverpool, as is his all-round game.

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For that reason, a move to Al-Hilal would be ideal for the Reds, allowing them to cash in on the 26-year-old and hopefully sign a huge upgrade in Isak.

يرى شريف عابدين المشرف العام على الكرة بنادي كهرباء الإسماعيلية، أن مباراة فريقه المقبلة أمام الأهلي في الجولة العاشرة من الدوري الممتاز، مثل أي مباراة في الدوري المصري الممتاز. 

ويواجه كهرباء الإسماعيلية نظيره الأهلي يوم السبت المقبل، في الجولة العاشرة من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز. 

وكان فريق كهرباء الإسماعيلية قد حقق الفوز في المباراة الماضية أمام المقاولون العرب بهدف دون رد، في الجولة التاسعة من بطولة الدوري الممتاز.

طالع | حازم هلال يستقيل من شركة الأهلي للمنشآت الرياضية بسبب الانتخابات

وقال شريف عابدين في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات: مباراة الأهلي بالنسبة لنا مثل أي مباراة وسنلعب للفوز عليه، وكهرباء الإسماعيلية يخوض كل المباريات على أنها كؤوس”. 

وأضاف: “رئيس النادي قال للاعبي الفريق -العبوا أمام الأهلي عشان تنبسطوا-، ولدينا لاعبين أصحاب خبرات مثل عمر السعيد وأوناجم وقادرين على الفوز أمام الأهلي”.

وتابع: “لا توجد أي مكافآت خاصة للاعبين حال الفوز على الأهلي، ورئيس النادي دائمًا ما يحفظ حقوق اللاعبين بصرف النظر عن أي مباراة”. 

وعن مستقبل رضا شحاتة المدير الفني للفريق حال الخسارة أمام الأهلي، أكد: “مستمر مع الفريق بصرف النظر عن نتيجة مباراة الأهلي، ولم نتطرق للحديث عن أي شيء بشأن مستقبله”.

In a major boost in pursuit of yet another addition, one Glasgow Rangers target now reportedly wants to complete a summer switch to Ibrox as the 49ers continue negotiations.

Rangers gearing up for crucial UCL second leg after Ibrox win

It’s an important week for Rangers and the most important of Russell Martin’s tenure so far. The Gers travel to Greek side Panathinaikos in hope of sealing their victory in the second qualifying round of the Champions League. With a 2-0 lead to defend, the Scottish Premiership giants already hold a key advantage, but will be wary of preventing any dramatic comebacks.

Of course, if the Greek side square up against the Rangers side that were just held to a 2-2 draw by Championship side Middlesbrough in a pre-season friendly, then the Gers could certainly be in for a few twists and turns.

Left frustrated by the result, Martin told reporters: “The first half was a bit frustrating because we’re playing a good team. They’re athletic, they pressed really aggressively, but a lot of the moments that were uncomfortable for us were down to a lack of intensity on our part.

“And I said to the guys, I didn’t like the warm-up, there’s a bit of disappointment in a few people, maybe not in the team and all that stuff.

“But, if you’re disappointed and especially playing for this football club, you have to show it in being more aggressive and more intense, not being downbeat and sort of just being out there and letting the game pass you by a little bit. So they know that now. That can’t happen.”

The more that the former Southampton boss sees his side in action, the more he will learn and that has seemingly seen him turn his attention towards the likes of Abu Kamara and one other potential addition.

Rak-Sakyi now wants Rangers move

As reported by The Sun and relayed by Ibrox News, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi now wants to complete a summer switch to Rangers as the 49ers continue to negotiate a deal which could cost as much as £10m with Crystal Palace.

The talented winger spent last season on loan at Sheffield United and impressed many as he scored seven goals and assisted another two for the Blades. Even after impressing in England’s second division, however, the 22-year-old’s place in Oliver Glasner’s plans is far from guaranteed, and he has now set his sights on Ibrox as a result.

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Dubbed “fearless” by Crystal Palace fan account HLTCO, Rak-Sakyi would be following the likes of Thelo Aasgaard, Emmanuel Fernandes, Djeidi Gassama and Joe Rothwell on the list of players to swap English football for Martin’s Rangers side if he completes a move in the coming weeks.

The Gers have so far enjoyed an impressive overhaul, with the 49ers looking to make an instant statement, and the arrival of the Crystal Palace gem would only add to that.

يبدو أن نادي تشيلسي الإنجليزي على موعد مع عقوبات جديدة بسبب ما أخلفته الإدارة السابقة للنادي برئاسة رجل الأعمال الروسي رومان أبراموفيتش.

وقام الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم بتوجيه 74 تهمة إلى نادي تشيلسي تتعلق بانتهاكات لقواعد وكلاء اللاعبين.

وقال الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم إن السلوك الذي تتعلق به الاتهامات يمتد تحديدًا إلى الفترة بين عامي 2009 و2022، ويتعلق في المقام الأول بالأحداث التي وقعت بين موسمي 2010-2011 و2015-2016.

وقال الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم “بريميرليج” إن تشيلسي لديه مهلة حتى 19 سبتمبر للرد على الاتهامات، كل ذلك وفقًا لشبكة ESPN البريطانية.

وأصدر تشيلسي بيانًا قال فيه: “إن النادي يسعده أن يؤكد على مشاركته مع الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم بشأن المسائل التي أبلغ عنها النادي بنفسه قد وصلت الآن إلى نهايتها”.

اقرأ أيضًا | بعد تتويجه بجائزة جديدة.. ديمبلي يوضح الفارق بين نسخته مع برشلونة والحالية في باريس

وأضاف البيان: “أكملت المجموعة المالكة حاليًا شراء النادي في 30 مايو 2022، أثناء عملية العناية الواجبة الشاملة التي سبقت إتمام عملية الشراء، أصبحت مجموعة الملكية على دراية بإمكانية وجود تقارير مالية غير كاملة فيما يتعلق بالمعاملات التاريخية وغيرها من الانتهاكات المحتملة لقواعد الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم”.

وأردف: “وبعد إتمام عملية الشراء مباشرة، قام النادي بإبلاغ هذه الأمور إلى جميع الجهات التنظيمية ذات الصلة، بما في ذلك الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم”.

وأكمل: “لقد أظهر النادي شفافية غير مسبوقة خلال هذه العملية، من خلال منح الوصول الشامل إلى ملفات النادي والبيانات التاريخية”.

وأتم: “سنواصل العمل مع الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم لإنهاء هذه القضية في أسرع وقت ممكن، نود أن نسجل امتناننا للاتحاد الإنجليزي لتعاونه مع النادي في هذه القضية المعقدة، والتي ركزت على مسائل وقعت قبل أكثر من عقد من الزمان”.

Leeds United are now considering a fresh transfer bid to sign their top forward target, according to a new report.

Leeds chasing multiple transfer targets

The Whites confirmed their second signing of the summer transfer window on Monday, as Jaka Bijol has now signed a five-year deal to keep him at the club until 2030. But the Championship title winners are not wasting any time in identifying their next moves.

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According to a recent report from Give Me Sport, Leeds are preparing a bid to sign Valentin Atangana from Reims. The 19-year-old is said to be available for an affordable price given the French side were relegated last season, but the Whites are not alone in their pursuit, as many other Premier League teams are also chasing his signature.

Meanwhile, Leeds have also received a boost in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper, as Southampton owner Dragan Solak has revealed that Aaron Ramsdale could leave the Saints this summer.

“We unfortunately are not sure that Ramsdale is going to stay, even though he loves the club. He’s a great young man; everybody loves him, but he wants to get his place in the national team, and it’s not easy to get there in the Championship.”

Leeds readying fresh Muniz bid

Strengthening up front is a major priority for Daniel Farke, and according to Football Insider, Leeds are now preparing to make a new offer to sign Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham.

Leeds are desperate to add Muniz to their squad and have already seen a bid of £26 million plus £6 million in add-ons, which totals £32 million rejected in this transfer window.

Muniz is considered a top striker target for the Whites, but despite his contract ending in 2026, Fulham do have an option to extend that by 12 months, meaning they hold all the cards at the moment. It doesn’t state how much Leeds are willing to bid in their next offer, but Fulham are said to be confident of pricing them out, so it would almost certainly have to surpass their current record signing of £35.5m on Georginio Rutter.

Apps

57

Goals

17

Assists

2

Muniz, who has been described as “strong” by Alan Shearer, joined Fulham in 2021 but has had to remain very patient for a chance at Craven Cottage. After spending time on loan at Middlesbrough in the 2022/23 season, he has become a regular under Marco Silva.

The forward played 26 games in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, during which he scored nine goals, and he then bettered that with 31 Premier League games last season, scoring eight goals in the process. Muniz has that proven Premier League experience that Leeds and Farke are looking for; it just remains a question of how much Leeds are willing to spend to get their man.

Both Birmingham City and Wrexham will be attempting to unsettle the Championship after promotion, knowing full well that they have immense pulling power as teams on the rise.

After all, Chris Davies’ runaway League One champions didn’t just win Jay Stansfield by chance, with St. Andrew’s a glamorous location to now ply your trade courtesy of Tom Wagner’s mega millions boosting the once downtrodden giants.

Therefore, if they were able to tempt their top scorer down to the third tier, it’s amazing to contemplate what other earth-shattering signings they could now get in through the door.

The Blues are certainly dominating a lot of EFL conversation this summer with who they’re being linked with, with this dream XI below surely the best plausible lineup Davies could call upon when the excitement of Championship action gets underway.

1 GK – Mark Travers

Firstly, Birmingham might well believe they need to improve in-between the sticks when adjusting back up to the second tier.

Their usual number one goalkeeper Ryan Allsop only shipped 26 goals in league action last season, but if they were able to land Mark Travers – following links to the Bournemouth man – he would surely get the first-team nod over the recent promotion winner.

After all, Travers has significant experience in the Championship on his side with 76 career games at the level under his belt. To add to that, he has also kept a respectable 26 clean sheets along the way.

2 RB – Ethan Laird

Whilst there could be some change in goal, Ethan Laird will be hopeful that his secure first-team spot at right-back remains set in stone for the jump up.

The ex-Manchester United full-back was as much of an attacking menace for the Blues last season as he was a defensive warrior, as seen in his impressive five goals and four assists in league action, on top of also winning a high 6.4 duels on average per contest.

3 CB – Ben Davies

The second signing Birmingham could make is to bring loan hero Ben Davies back permanently after he was a defensive colossus all of last campaign, away from parent employers Rangers.

Davies would strike up a fine partnership with Christoph Klarer – as seen in the pair tallying up a mammoth 38 clean sheets between them – with the Blues boss hopeful that the experienced 29-year-old can look as assured in the league above if he remains put.

4 CB – Christoph Klarer

The aforementioned Klarer would love to line up alongside his ex-Preston North End teammate once more, having been near faultless next to the 6-foot-1 enforcer at the top end of League One.

The dominant Austrian is also very deserving of his plaudits, considering he managed to register seven big chances created playing out from the back, away from just merely putting his equally towering frame to good use.

5 LB – Alex Cochrane

Making up the final component of the imposing back four is former Hearts man Alex Cochrane.

Much like his partner in crime down the right, Cochrane has been able to show off his ability to create chances galore throughout the League One season, culminating in him creating a sizeable nine big chances from 42 overall clashes.

To cap off his sterling individual campaign, the 25-year-old also bagged this beauty against Stevenage in April.

6 CM – Tomoki Iwata

Heading into the midfield areas and Tomoki Iwata will be keen to prove himself as a Championship-ready talent after some stylish showings in the third tier.

Iwata would go on to be an absolute steal from Celtic when joining for around £the £800k mark, considering the Japanese midfielder would round off his first-ever EFL adventure with eight goals and two assists next to his name.

7 CM – Kanya Fuijmoto

Iwata might well be joined by a new teammate centrally, however, as Birmingham continue to be linked with a switch for Gil Vicente ace Kanya Fujimoto.

The newly promoted side must be holding out hope that Fujimoto can be Iwata 2.0 on his potential St. Andrew’s arrival, with the 28-year-old’s compatriot proving himself to be as slick as the Blues number 24 playing out in Portugal.

Whilst he is comfortable slotting in as a number ten – as seen in his five goals and five assists in league action last season – Fujimoto can also line up as a traditional central midfield option, meaning he could partner Iwata very soon in England.

8 RM – Kwame Poku

Birmingham won’t be content with just three new purchases ahead of Championship football triumphantly returning with a fourth potentially in the offing with Kwame Poku, amid reports that an offer has been made to the Peterborough star.

It’s been a drawn-out saga this summer already involving Poku and Davies’ side, but if Birmingham are finally successful in landing the tricky Ghanaian’s services over a crazy 25 other suitors, he would slot into the team effortlessly down the right wing.

24/25

31

12

11

23/24

47

12

8

22/23

45

5

9

21/22

23

0

2

Posh manager Darren Ferguson would hail Poku as “unplayable” just this season gone, and when taking his consistent brilliance above, it’s clear to see why, with a ridiculous 23 goal contributions notched up across a memorable 2024/25.

Surely, he’s now ready for the challenge of affirming himself as an EFL superstar even more in the West Midlands.

9 CAM – Jay Stansfield

Stansfield is arguably another big name when it comes to the EFL, with Birmingham fans head over heels for the former Fulham forward.

He would end his own distinguished 2024/25 campaign by firing home 19 league strikes, meaning he could absolutely terrorise Championship defences when partnered with Poku.

10 LM – Keshi Anderson

Whilst the likes of Stansfield stole most of the limelight during Birmingham’s smooth title success, Keshi Anderson also regularly put in fine performances as a more seasoned head of the group.

In all competitions, the pacey left winger would tally up a hefty nine goals and eight assists, with Davies confident now that the experienced attacker can come good in the second tier, having played here previously and somewhat struggled with ex-employers Blackpool.